House packed for holiday concert

Jeff Faith, along with his son Micah, was the winner of the guitar raffle.

A festive holiday mood, the sound of holiday music, and the aroma of homemade cookies filled the Effingham County Recreation and Parks gymnasium on Dec. 8 for the Effingham Community Orchestra’s seventh annual holiday concert and homemade cookie sale.

Included in the orchestra’s performance were medleys of traditional Christmas carols, popular holiday songs and Christmas movie themes. A medley of Santa songs delighted the children. The orchestra’s Jazz Ensemble played an energetic set, including a lively rendition of “Jingle Bells.”

After the concert, the winning raffle ticket was drawn for a new Austin acoustic guitar and accessory pack donated by Island Guitars and Teaching Studios of Rincon. The winner was Jeff Faith.

At the cookie sale, attendees bought dozens of homemade cookies baked by orchestra members, their families and orchestra volunteers.

“It was very rewarding for our orchestra musicians and for me to have an audience in excess of 325 enjoy and express appreciation for our music,” said orchestra director Andrea Huff. “The cookie sale was a great success. It was wonderful to see people socializing and having fun as they selected their cookies. We thank everyone who chose to spend the afternoon with us.”